Q1. How to make informed decisions on nursing practice and patient outcomes on a global basis. In addition, state how you will apply what you have learned in this course to your upcoming practicum experience.

Q1. How to make informed decisions on nursing practice and patient outcomes on a global basis. In addition, state how you will apply what you have learned in this course to your upcoming practicum experience.

The current global healthcare systems face multiple issues that prompt healthcare professionals to make informed decisions and adopt information-driven practices. Examples of issues in current healthcare systems are a high prevalence of chronic and non-communicable diseases, high care costs, and health inequalities. According to Berwick et al. (2018), preventable mistakes, harm, high rates of incorrect and ineffective treatment, and disrespect to people when interacting with the healthcare system are among the issues that contribute to the worsening quality of healthcare in every country. Equally, Berwick et al. (2018) contend that poverty, low-income status, lack of standard metrics, and insufficient research on quality interventions are major causes of the prevailing chasms in healthcare. Healthcare professionals are responsible for tackling these factors for disproportionate care access, affordability, and utilization by implementing appropriate strategies for decision-making and problem-solving. A profound role of nurse practitioners in addressing chasms in healthcare is active involvement in policy development, enactment, and evaluation.

This course has been a revelation and insightful regarding the concept of nurses’ involvement in policy development and the rationale for patient advocacy. I have learned that nurse practitioners have an overarching role in improving health policy through lobbying, using their experience and scholarly knowledge to improve policies, advocating for patients and communities, and assuming leadership positions in policymaking contexts. Equally, they can improve care quality by making informed decisions. According to Nibbelink & Brewer (2018), informed decision-making in nursing requires nurses to incorporate research and the best evidence amidst time pressure and ever-demanding healthcare scenarios. In my practicum experience, I endeavor to apply the learned concepts in coping with new organizational demands and translating theoretical knowledge to practice. I am at using my advocacy role to provide patient-centered care and embrace evidence-based practice to make informed decisions.